Sony ST-5000F (1969-1976)
A high-end FM stereo tuner with FET-based circuitry, built for precision reception during Japan's FM multi-station era.
Overview
The Sony ST-5000F is an FM stereo tuner developed in 1969 as part of Sony's early push into high-fidelity audio. It replaced the short-lived ST-5000 and remained in production until 1976, outlasting many contemporaries in the Japanese market. Designed by Masaru Nagami, it was positioned as a top-tier receiver with advanced interference rejection and tuning accuracy. The "F" in its name denotes the use of FETs (Field-Effect Transistors) in its circuitry, emphasizing its technological sophistication for the time.
Specifications
| Circuit system | Superheterodyne system |
| Receiving frequency | 87...108MHz |
| Intermediate frequency | 10.7MHz |
| Practical sensitivity / Usable sensitivity | 1.5 μV (IHF) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio / Hum and Noise | 70dB |
| Capture ratio | 1.0dB |
| Effective selectivity / Alternate channel selectivity | 100dB(IHF) |
| Image interference ratio / Image rejection | 90dB |
| IF interference ratio / IF rejection | 100dB |
| Spurious interference ratio / Spurious rejection | 100dB |
| AM suppression ratio / AM suppression | 65dB |
| Muting level / Muting threshold | 3 μV ~ 15 μV (Continuously Variable) |
| Frequency characteristic / Frequency response | 20 Hz to 15 kHz, ± 0.5 dB |
| Antenna terminal | 300 Ω equilibrium 75 Ω unbalance |
| Harmonic distortion factor / THD (Mono) | 0.2% at 400 Hz, 100% modulation |
| Harmonic distortion factor / THD (Stereo) | 0.35% at 400 Hz, 100% modulation |
| FM stereo separation | 40 dB or more (mid-range, 100% modulation); 30 dB or more (50 Hz, 100% modulation); 30 dB or more (10 kHz, 100% modulation); 20 dB or more (15 kHz, 100% modulation) |
| Automatic stereo operating level | 3 μV |
| Quieting sensitivity | 1µV (300 Ohm) for 30 dB quieting; 3µV (300 Ohm) for 50 dB quieting; 100µV (300 Ohm) for 70 dB quieting |
| SCA suppression ratio | 65dB |
| 19 khz and 38 khz suppression ratio / 19 Khz pilot & 38 Khz sub-carrier suppression | 70dB |
| Frequency drift (83 MHz) | -5 °C to +45 °C, ±20 kHz |
| Output Voltage / Impedance | Fixed output : 700mV/10k Ω (at 400 Hz, 100% modulation); Variable output : 0 ~ 2V/1k Ω (at 100% modulation at maximum output) |
| Semiconductor used | Transistor : 39; FET : 3; Diode : 36 units |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | Approx. 20W |
| External dimensions / Dimensions | Width 400 x Height 145 x Depth 310 mm |
| Weight | 9.2kg |
| Attachments | One FM feeder antenna; Connection code RK-56x1; 1 spare fuse (1A); Polishing Cloth x1 |
| Sold Separately | Eurasian Cheek Finish Wooden Case TAC-1 (¥4,600); Mounting Bracket MB-5 (¥2,800) |
| Front panel facilities | Signal Strength Meter, Zero-center Tuning Meter, Stereo Indicator Lamp, Mode switch (Mono / Auto-Stereo / Stereo-Only), Muting Control, Hi-Blend Switch (off / 1 / 2 / 3) |
| Rear panel facilities | Antenna terminals (75 Ohm / 300 Ohm), Output level Adjustment knob, Fixed outputs, Variable outputs, Fuse Holder |
Design
The ST-5000F uses a 5-row varicon and a 4-stage tuning circuit in the front end for high-precision tuning. Its intermediate frequency stage includes nine IF amplifiers, eight solid-state filters, six symmetrical diode limiters, and three transistor limiters. The solid-state filters are non-adjustable to maintain stability over time. Selective low-noise FETs enhance intermodulation and interference rejection. It features a high-blend circuit with three switchable levels to reduce high-frequency noise in weak stereo signals. The tuner includes a full-scale zero-center tuning meter and a 230 mm linear dial calibrated to 200 kHz. Built with premium components, it maintains frequency stability within ±20 kHz across temperatures from -5°C to +45°C. Two output systems—fixed and variable—are provided. A black version was reportedly sold in Germany.
Context
The ST-5000F marked Sony's first entry into high-fidelity audio equipment and was the last original ES-series unit released after models like the TA-1120, TA-4300, and TTS-3000. It was listed as a "Classic Model" under the Sony brand. Though succeeded elsewhere by newer models, it remained available in Japan through 1976 and was priced higher than the ST-5950SD. Only the ST-A7B surpassed it in price during that year.
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